Road Trip: The Top Places to See When Driving From Allendale, New Jersey to Maplewood, New Jersey

Are you looking for a perfect road trip from Allendale, New Jersey to Maplewood, New Jersey? Driving can be an adventure, exploring new places and discovering hidden gems along the way. The route from Allendale to Maplewood has some charming attractions that are worth a visit. We’ve rounded up some of the best places to see and things to do along the way.

Before hitting the road, make sure your car is properly serviced and equipped for a long drive. You don't want to be stranded on the side of the road. So be sure to grab a full tank of gas and keep your favorite playlist ready for the journey. So, buckle up and let's get started on our road trip adventure!

1. Skylands Manor - Ringwood, New Jersey

Our first stop is the magnificent Skylands Manor, located in Ringwood, New Jersey, just a few miles north of Allendale. This Tudor revival house offers beautiful views of the gardens and an extensive collection of artwork. The house is open to visitors year-round, and you can take a self-guided tour through the rooms, each with its unique style and furnishings.

The Skylands Manor gardens cover 96 acres of lush greenery, and you can explore winding paths, rare trees and flowers, and several water features. The gardens are divided into several themed areas, such as the Italian Garden, the Perennial Garden, and the Magnolia Walk.

2. Greenwood Lake - West Milford, New Jersey

Greenwood Lake is a natural gem, located in West Milford, New Jersey, about 30 minutes from Skylands Manor. This clear lake stretches for over seven miles and is perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, and jet-skiing. The lake is surrounded by the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, making it an ideal spot for a family picnic or a lakeside barbecue.

If you’re interested in history, Greenwood Lake was once a popular spot for bootleggers during the Prohibition era. You can still see remnants of the past in some of the abandoned buildings around the lake.

3. Sterling Hill Mining Museum - Ogdensburg, New Jersey

Our next stop is the Sterling Hill Mining Museum, located in Ogdensburg, New Jersey, around 20 miles southeast of Greenwood Lake. This fascinating museum provides a glimpse into the rich mining heritage of the area, with guided tours of an underground mine complex, interactive exhibits, and mineral displays.

The Sterling Hill Mining Museum is the best place to learn about the mining industry's history in the tri-state region. The museum houses an extensive collection of minerals, fossils, and mining artifacts. Visitors can take a guided tour underground to explore the mine levels and learn about the miners' daily lives.

4. Newark Museum - Newark, New Jersey

The Newark Museum is one of the largest museums in New Jersey, located in Newark, around 20 miles south-west of Ogdensburg. This museum has a vast collection of art and science exhibits, including works from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It also houses the largest collection of Tibetan art in the Western Hemisphere.

The Newark Museum also features an impressive planetarium, which provides visitors with a unique and interactive journey through space. After exploring the exhibits, you can relax in the Museum's outdoor sculpture garden, which boasts a wide range of contemporary and traditional sculptures.

5. South Mountain Reservation - West Orange, New Jersey

Our final stop on this road trip is the South Mountain Reservation, located in West Orange, New Jersey, about 5 miles north of Newark. The Reservation covers 2,110 acres of land and features several hiking trails, biking paths, picnic areas, and a zoo.

Hikers and bikers can explore the scenic trails, which offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River. The Mills Reservation, located in the South Mountain Reservation, is a popular destination among bird watchers, as it features several species of birds and wildlife.

Conclusion

Great road trips are about the journey, not just the destination. From Skylands Manor to South Mountain Reservation, this drive is filled with plenty of stops that are perfect for taking in the beauty of New Jersey. So pack your bags, hit the road, and enjoy the adventure!